Pregnancy is a new beginning of parenthood or a long-awaited result for many and a unique experience for every woman. While one of the early signs of pregnancy is missing your periods, some notice certain early signs of pregnancy much before the period due date. Surprisingly, some don’t even realize they are pregnant until months after conception or until they take the pregnancy tests after skipping their periods.
When the sperm enters the female reproductive tract, it moves up to the fallopian tubes to integrate with the ovum/egg to form a fertilized ovum. The fertilized egg slowly descends to the uterus and implants itself into the uterine walls. This process of embryo implantation is likely to bring about minor changes in a woman’s body, indicating the early pregnancy symptoms. These changes are hormone-initiated and metabolic as the woman’s reproductive anatomy prepares for an upcoming pregnancy.
However, if you are trying to conceive, you can notice the highlighted early pregnancy signs below at least a week or two before you take the pregnancy test or expect your periods.
In this Article
Morning Sickness
One of the early pregnancy signs is morning sickness, a misnomer for nausea, vomiting during the morning hours that sometimes extends throughout the day. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), these nauseated symptoms can stay through the entire pregnancy term or can subside gradually after the first trimester. The body secretes more estrogen and progesterone, causing vomiting and nausea.
Feeling exhausted
We often get exhausted when we are overstressed or have overstretched work. But this sign of pre-pregnancy is when you notice extreme exhaustion or fatigue in regular activities. If you tend to sleep after small activities despite having a good 7-9 hours of sleep. The body produces more blood and energy during conception to support the developing baby. You will require more rest, intake of a nutrient-rich diet, and plenty of fluids. These symptoms also alleviate after the first trimester.
Early spotting
Some women may notice spotting a week or two before the period date. These vaginal discharges are usually light pink or dark brown colored due to embryo implantation. When the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, the slight irritation and discomfort can cause implantation bleeding, which is much lighter than the regular periods.
Breast Changes
Similar to the pre-menstruation Syndrome (PMS) symptoms, breast tenderness, heavy and enlarged breasts are also early pregnancy symptoms. This early symptom can be a good pregnancy indication in women without PMS. But, it can get confusing for those having PMS. Another notable change observed during the early weeks of pregnancy is the darkening and enlargement of the circles of pigmented skin around the nipples (areolas).
Abdominal Cramps
As the pregnancy begins, there is an increase in blood flow throughout the body. The blood flow within the uterus also increases, causing cramping. Often confused with PMS or regular period cramping, this early sign of pregnancy is a lot milder. If they become severe, affecting your daily routine, you will need to seek medical help. But mild abdominal cramps along with the above pre-pregnancy indications can rekindle your hope of pregnancy.
Sensitive to smell
For some, the nose can turn over sensitive even to mild scents, food aromas, often turning into nauseated feelings or vomiting, especially during the early pregnancy days. This sensitivity may continue through the pregnancy term, and sometimes, it may begin anytime during pregnancy.
Changes in food choices
Sudden changes in food choices may develop a few weeks after conception, where some develop food cravings while some acquire food aversions and feel nauseous. A few may end up eating things they usually avoid, and for a few, the nauseating feeling can suddenly bring down your appetite.
Dizzy and lightheadedness
The first few weeks of pregnancy can make you feel slightly dizzy or lightheaded. Due to the blood vessel widening and increased blood flow, the blood pressure lowers, causing weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Urinating frequently
During the initial few weeks of conception, the increased blood flow dictates the kidneys to work extra. The increased excretion activity increases the urinating frequency. After the first trimester, the growing womb and baby exert pressure on the bladder to cause frequent urination during the pregnancy.
Conclusion/ Take-Away
For questions like is it possible to feel pregnant after two days of implantation? The answer is yes. The above symptoms like cramping and spotting occur during the embryo implantation process, and you can observe signs well before your menstruation date.
But, these pregnancy symptoms vary from individual-to-individual and differ with every pregnancy experience in a woman. Some may not notice them at all, while some tend to get confused with PMS. Nevertheless, these symptoms can add to your excitement and hope of pregnancy chances.
Ideally, A pregnancy test a week after your missed period date can confirm the commencement of a new journey called Motherhood.
Frequently asked Questions
This content has been reviewed by Srujana Mohanty who is working in scientific & medical writing and editing since 2018. She is also associated with the quality assurance team of scientific journal editing.
